Connections with Renee Shaw

Sociologist Aaron Thompson (#447)

A Clay County native, sociologist Aaron Thompson discusses his journey from a humble upbringing in a tiny cabin in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky to obtaining his doctorate and building a successful career as an accomplished scholar, speaker, and sought-after consultant in areas of diversity, leadership, and workplace issues.

He is co-owner of Ripple Effects Resources, which offers diversity training videos, and owner of Cultural Awareness Associates, which provides consulting on diversity issues.

Thompson talks about what he does as a sociologist, his recent appearance in Lexington’s Skirt magazine, and his scholarly articles and books about the African-American family in the United States. He also discusses the recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and his own work speaking with police officers about racial profiling.